For over two decades, I've topped almost every plant, auto and photo, just to control the canopy. I prefer multiple colas rather than one big one of those not topped. When tended properly, I've seen very little difference, if any, in yeilds.
For what it's worth, my germ technique has not changed for over 2 decades. I simply plant a seed in moistened medium they are gonna grow in and smoke a joint or two. 100% germ without soaking, paper towels or fertility chants. It's simple and Rocket science is not needed.
Your grow looks really good....Just finished some Mephisto Strawberry Nuggets and Sweet and Sour....now running some Double Grape, my fav Mephisto cultivar.
In the grow room also is some Twenty20 Triks, Rocbud Blueberry Slushy, and Brother Mendels Jedi Mind Tricks. All staggered for harvest 2...
Growing autos along with photos for 2 decades+, perpetually, I've seen autos with most genetic variables; some breeders have certainly done autos quite well. Personally I like the timing part of autos along with the quality of the bud. Not once in 20 years, has anyone asked if my weed is photo...
After 20 yrs growing autos, I've yet to set a time when veg is done.....that being said, most of mine have flowered at about 3 weeks. Very few exceptions, if any.
Easy, pesy.....I always run photos with my autos just for shits and grin........never a prob....if ya think you'll miss a gram or two, just add another plant.
12/12 is fine as long as dli/ppfd is in a reasonable spec. The law of 'diminishing returns' becomes apparent with increased lighting schedules. May fly in the face of those who run 18/6 or 24/0 for autoflowers but I for one, must weigh costs of energy to get a few more grams.
Having run 12/12...
My 2 cents....Since I've stored all seeds in my fridge for the past 20 years and get 100% germ, sometimes with 5 yr old seeds, I'd have to think their may be an advantage to storing that way.
Recently, I've included some Bother Mendel autos and photos into my perpetual grows and will have to say, I'm impressed with BM genetics. I've had a couple rounds of Jedi Mind Tricks Autos, and some BM Tropic Of Censer R2 photos. Both have impressed me with their vigor and results.
There's not...
Terpy seeds has a few rocbud strains along with multiverse. Personally I always got rocbud from rocbud but he's now releasing strains through various other banks.
IMO, Rocbudinc are top shelf autos. Most of my grows have been mostly Roc strains for the past few years. Worth it.
40-50 watts per sq ft will be a good # to go by. Upgrade till you get it.
I run 600w total of mixed led boards in a 3x4.
The only thing better than horsepower is more horsepower.